What’s Hot Central Florida: 2/19 – 2/25

Let me tell you how things are coming along for Tampa Pride. This is the first time Tampa has celebrated gay pride in 14 years, so everyone is eager to make this a great day where fun can be had by all. If you would like to be a vendor or have a spot in the parade, the time has come for you to reserve your spots! For more information, including how you can become a donor, visit tampapride.org. Now on to this week’s events! Lots of love to you all!

Thursday February 19

Let’s start off the week with a Tampa Pride event! All of us in Central Florida are very excited that it’s returning. Hamburger Mary’s Tampa is hosting a special drag queen bingo benefit, where all of the proceeds will go straight to Tampa Pride! Please show your support for Tampa’s gay pride, returning after 14 years. The game starts at 7 p.m. For reservations, call (813) 241-6279.

Joey Brooks starts off the weekend early with the amateur strip contest tonight at midnight at Bradley’s on 7th in Tampa! Joey will be joined by Kori Stevens and then the sexy contestants will take it off for a chance to win $200 in cash! Then this weekend, Joey will be performing her divas revue with Esme Russell and Chanel Cartier on Friday, and with Dana Douglas and Ashlee Bangkx on Saturday. The showtimes on Southern Nights in Orlando is hosting the seventh annual Twisted Disney event. If you work weekends are 11:30 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. at any of the Walt Disney World resorts and you show your work ID, you’ll get in for free! You can also get in for free if ou dress up as a Disney character. Be creative because the winner of the costume contest will win a $100 cash prize! The Disney-themed drag show will be at midnight and will feature Kai’ja Adonis, Roxxxy Andrews, Nazhoni and Kitana Gemini.

Friday February 20

Kristian Nairn, Hodor from HBO’s Game of Thrones, is going to pack the crowds in for the special DJ event Rave of Thrones. He will be spinning all night tonight at District 3 on Whiting Street in Tampa. The event starts at 10 p.m. but arrive early to make sure you can get your ticket!

Saturday February 21

Save the Date! The Equality Florida Tampa Gala will be held this evening starting at 7:30 p.m. at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre. There will be music and entertainment, a state of the state address by Nadine Smith, and the presentation of the Voice for Equality Award to Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner. Tickets can be bought up to the day of the event; visit eqfl.org/tampagala for more information.

Two sexy stars from NBC’s popular daytime drama Days of our Lives will be meeting fans at the Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater today and tomorrow. Eric Martsolf (Brady) and Greg Vaughan (Eric) will be there to take photos, sign autographs, and lots more for their fans! The lunch starts at noon and a general admission meet and greet starts at 3:00. To buy tickets, call Patti at (727) 210-5143.

Parliament House in Orlando is celebrating the art of female impersonation with their annual La Cage night. The entire evening will showcase the Footlight Players and their special guests as they perform beautiful and flawless celebrity female impersonations. There will be two shows, at 10 p.m. and midnight, and keep in mind the shows will be completely different! To reserve your spot, call (407) 425-7571.

Sunday February 22

The Center Orlando is hosting a comedy fundraiser tonight at 7 p.m. at The Venue on Virginia Drive. It’s called The Gong Show (think the variety/comedy show from the 1970s) and it’s sure to be a laugh a minute! Eureka Fish will be hosting, and the celebrity judge panel includes Billy Manes, Ginger Minj and Michael Wanzie. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go to The Center Orlando’s Seniors Programs. To buy your ticket, go to thecenterorlando.org.

Mike Halterman has been the editor of Hotspots Central since its launch in July 2016. He joined the Hotspots Media Group family as editor of Hotspots' South Florida magazine in June 2013. A former "40 Under 40" honoree in The Advocate magazine, Mike lives in the Tampa Bay area.